It’s not unusual for someone to approach a fishing magazine editor with a big-fish tale or hero shot of their personal best, but when Arturo Murga walked up to Bassmaster Editor James Hall at the 2013 Bassmaster Classic in Tulsa, Okla., it wasn’t a bragging moment. Instead, it was a business move — one that landed this talented artist an opportunity that he has parlayed into a regular presence in the bass industry’s premier publication.
“I remember meeting Arturo for the first time at a Classic when he asked for a photo with me,” Hall said. “He showed me his artwork, I loved it and told him I’d like to hire him for a piece in Bassmaster. Since then, his English has vastly improved and he has become one of our top illustrators in the magazine.”
Editor’s note: See some of Murga’s most notable Bassmaster art.
Murga fondly recalls the meeting as his carpe diem moment.
“After seeing a caricature in the magazine I thought I could do better and prepared a caricature to show (Hall),” he said. “I think it was my best presentation card.” Murga decided to present complete artwork rather than ask for an opportunity to submit pieces for consideration.
Suffice it to say, the ambitious move paid off big. Murga’s not into awards and the like; instead, he focuses on what he considers truly meaningful.
“I think the best recognition of my work is that people like it, and a remarkable placement is undoubtedly collaborating with B.A.S.S.,” he said.
Meet the artist
Growing up in the Cadereyta Jiménez section of Monterrey, Mexico, Murga started painting at 9 years old. For the past 13 years, he’s lived in Dallas, Texas, with his wife Roxy Gonzalez and their daughters Sole Jimena (13), Camila (10) and Natalia Isabella (7).
Largely self-taught, Murga paints in oil and acrylic. Blending his love for the outdoors with his cultural heritage, he specializes in portrait work, often large scale. He also enjoys interactive painting experiences during which he converses with spectators while creating in real time.
As for his general style, Murga describes himself as a representational figurative artist.
“This means to express yourself figuratively; to try to present things as they are in some clear way — the closest thing to reality,” he explains. “Later, depending on the ability and vision of the artist, it can be abstract, caricature, cubism, expressionism, etc.”
Murga described his motivation this way: “Art has helped me to understand and, as other activities, taught me values such as patience, respect, the history of the world, the importance of graphic arts. As for inspiration, I believe in the daily work that it takes you to find (this) and it motivates me to one day leave something important in the history of fishing.”
Murga doesn’t have a gallery website currently as he is in the process of transitioning to a new online gallery platform. In the meantime, you can find him on Instagram and Facebook.
Passion with purpose
Murga claims an 8-pound largemouth as his personal best, and he’s quick with the details: Caught on a Rapala Clackin’ Rap in moss back shiner on Lake Ray Hubbard, Rockwall, Texas, Sept. 15, 2017 at 8:50 a.m.
Artists are known for their detail, after all.
That being said, Murga notes that his inherent creative ability has helped him connect to the sport he loves — in his own way.
“I do not have the talent it takes to be a good fisherman, but I definitely enjoy fishing a lot; I think it’s my favorite pastime,” he said. “When life gives you lemons, make lemonade. In my case God gave me some creativity and talent, from a very young age my passion was born.
“I am very attracted by the strength of fishing enthusiasts and any outdoor activity, like me, to find new products, new images, art that represents the passion for fishing.”
That passion has yielded artistic designs for Illustrious Action Custom Fishing Tackle and Googan Baits. Murga has also created illustrations for Orvis, as well as with tackle companies in Mexico.
He has also expanded into private sales, with anglers such as Rick Clunn, John Crews and Alton Jones purchasing Murga’s art. Beyond the fishing industry, his work has caught the eye of professional athletes such as Dallas Cowboys defensive end Demarcus Lawrence and wide receiver Cole Dickson Beasley, as well as Cincinnati Bengals linebacker Malik Jefferson.
You can also find Murga’s creations at the SHINOLA watch brand’s Plano, Texas, store. And, of course, in the pages of Bassmaster Magazine.
